Evidence

One key word throughout the story of the crucifixion and resurrection is the word evidence. Let’s start with Jesus praying in the garden. A confrontation led by Judas and soldiers occurs. Simon Peter reacts as only Simon Peter knows. He grabs a sword and cuts off the ear of a servant of Malchus. Jesus then quickly stops the turmoil by healing the soldier’s ear completely and rebukes Peter. Why is that important? For Peter it meant there was no evidence of a severed ear, which could have meant the end of life for Simon Peter. Evidence matters.

Then there were the trials of Jesus which are sort of complicated when you try and figure them all out. From Annas to Caiphas to Pilate to Herod the passing of Jesus from court to court was a fiasco to say the least. They all were seeking evidence but they could not find any. 55 “Now the chief priests and all the council sought testimony against Jesus to put Him to death, but found none. 56 For many bore false wit- ness against Him, but their testimonies [a] did not agree. 57 Then some rose up and bore false witness against Him, saying, 58 “We heard Him say, ‘I will destroy this temple made with hands, and within three days I will build another made without hands.’ ” 59 But not even then did their testimony agree.” Mark 14:55-59. Simply put... evidence matters.

Two thieves on the crosses next to Jesus are dying and at the same time watching all that is unfolding before them. Even the thieves knew something different was happening on their final day of life. “Then one of the criminals who were hanged blasphemed Him, saying, ‘If You are the Christ, save yourself and us.’” Luke 23:39. The thief was taunting Jesus but looking for evidence that would help him out. If you are the Christ? After all, that is what this whole crucifixion is about, right? Show me the evidence Jesus. But the other thief had a late confes- sion that is extraordinary. “And we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward of our deeds; but this Man has done nothing wrong.” Luke 23:41. Simply put... evidence matters.

The fact is that leading up to the cross of Christ, the opposition could never find any evidence on which to convict him. They looked for evi- dence, they made up stories, they grasped at every straw, but the fact is there was no evidence to verify their claims. Then as Jesus dies on the cross something else happens. “ So when the centurion and those with him, who were guarding Jesus, saw the earthquake and the things that had happened, they feared greatly, saying, “Truly this was the Son of God!” Matthew 27:54. Even to the soldiers who helped cru- cify Jesus, evidence matters.

Three days pass, the stone is rolled away, the grave is empty, the body is gone, the linen clothes lying there, the handkerchief folded neatly away; the angels announcing, the guards are sleeping, the women are witnesses, the disciples are discovering, Thomas is believ- ing, over 500 can testify to seeing Him, Jesus is Lord and Christ, He is Risen. And the story continues today some 2,000 years later that be- cause of Easter, our lives have been changed. Evidence Matters!